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Apples and Oranges

Comparisons are meant to help us make choices. But if the same quality or criteria isn't behind the items being compared, the choice is a false one.

Example: I'm always a bit perplexed when people say original art is too expensive, that they would never pay $500 for even a large painting.

It's because we use a different baseline for comparison. They use "things you hang on a wall" and I use "originality and long-term value." They compare the painting's cost to a mass produced poster and can't see the value. I think of the painting in relation to a furniture purchase and don't see it nearly as expensive.

When making decisions with others, make sure the criteria everyone applies is transparent and shared. Otherwise you can't really make an informed choice.